Ramirez-Vlasov Will Be at Catchweight of 171-Pounds

By Ryan Burton

Super middleweight contender Gilberto Ramirez's (30-0) manager and trainer Hector Zapari has advised BoxingScene.com that Ramirez's fight against Maxim Vlasov (30-1) will be contested at a catchweight of 171 pounds. The fight will be Ramirez's HBO debut and be the chief supporting bout to the third installment between Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado that takes place in Denver, Colo. on January 24th.

Zapari, who manages and trains Ramirez along with his father Jesus, said that their fighter is training very hard and is looking to make a statement in his HBO debut.

"Zurdo is working very hard and wants to take advantage of this opportunity that HBO has given him. He wants to prove that he is an HBO caliber fighter," Zapari told BoxingScene.com.

A catchweight was agreed upon because Ramirez has had difficulty in getting opponents. Vlasov has campaigned as a super middleweight for list of his career but recently moved up to the lightweight division.

"We had problems finding someone at 168 who wants to fight Zurdo. He is a lot stronger at 168 (than 160) and he will be just as strong at 171," sad Zapari.

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